Namaste, MacEwan Yogis and Yoginis

Devanagari writing of the Sanskrit Maha Mantra

Here is a link to a summary of my presentation on The Language and Literature of Yoga.

A couple of additional notes:

- The aspirated "th" sound in the word Hatha which we practiced pronouncing is listed with the cerebral consonants on the Sanskrit Alphabet chart because the tongue is placed at the roof of the mouth.  If you find that too difficult to pronounce, just remember that the "th" sounds more like a "t" with a puff of air than like the English words "this" or "think".

If you're interested in more in-depth study of the Sanskrit language, I recommend The Sanskrit Channel on YouTube as a starting point.

- Also, regarding the "Key Definitions of Yoga" given in my presentation and summary, be aware that these are not the only classical definitions of Yoga.  However, they are widely accepted as representative of key concepts in each of these works of literature and of the practice of yoga in general.  

- In case you would like to read the full verse from the Bhagavad Gita, it is found in Chapter 2, Verse 50.

Live Streaming Satsangs from Sivananda, Bahamas

Carved Om on the beach at the Sivananda Ashram, Bahamas

Hello Yogis and Yoginis!

Head's up!  The Sivananda Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas is now live-streaming their morning and evening satsangs (and even some of their workshops) on Facebook!

I know it's not the same as being there with the sun on your skin and sand between your toes, but I feel like it's the next best thing, like somehow we have been blessed with a siddhi to transcend time and space!  And in case you can't catch the events in real-time, please note that you can watch the recordings at your convenience.

I'd like to bring your attention in particular to this workshop with Krishna Das from last weekend's Yoga of Chant Retreat.  I found the questions very timely, and the answers are truly beautiful. 

The ashram cat also makes a special appearance at a particularly poignant moment that you won't want to miss. 😉  Forget Netflix for a night.  Watch this instead.  I think you'll be glad you did.

Sivananda Yoga Retreat, Workshop with Krishna Das, Saturday, February 22, 2020

Happy Mahashivaratri 2020!

Om Namah Shivaya

Tonight many yogis will be fasting, keeping vigil, meditating and chanting all night long in celebration of Lord Shiva, the Adiyogi, or "first yogi".

If you're in the Edmonton area, you can join celebrations at the Bhartiya Cultural Society starting at 6 pm.

If you'd rather participate from home, you can join Krishna Das  live online at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Bahamas' Facebook Page for the Mahashivaratri vigil starting at 8:45 pm tonight and continuing all night long!

Om Namah Shivaya!

Har Har Mahadev!

Jai Shiva Shambo!

A $30 Gift for you from SPUD!

Origami Folded by Tara

I can't believe it's already February 2020!  I hope your new year has been filled with inner peace, self-love, radiant health and a crystal clear commitment to your resolutions.

This year, I resolved to practice ahimsa by minimizing my impact on the environment.  So far it's going very well!

One big aid in avoiding plastic packaging and supporting local businesses has been ordering products from SPUD.ca, Canada's most sustainable grocery delivery company.

How does it work?

It's easy!  SPUD curates the best in local, organic and sustainable groceries by working directly with farmers and producers.  All you have to do is sign up and start shopping.  There are no subscriptions or contracts.  Just order what you want, when you want.  Your order is packed in a sturdy reusable box and delivered right to your door.  Because they have no in-store displays, SPUD has the lowest food waste of any grocery chain in Canada!  That also means your order is always fresh and 100% satisfaction guaranteed.  SPUD's Blog has lots of green tips and recipes, and opportunities to help with worthy causes in your community. 

How do I get my $30 gift?

That's easy too!  During the month of February, pick out your first order of $75 in groceries from the vast selection of fresh and frozen foods, produce, meat, and even local craft breweries and apply my personal referral code below at the check-out. Voila, you get $30 off your order! 

What are my favorite items to order?

I love the $0.99 avocados and Que Pasa Tortilla Chips, which are always less expensive than my local grocery store.  The Traditional Hutterite Eggs are delicious and it's such a novelty to have the Italian Centre's famous house-made Pizza Dough delivered right to my door!  

Whatever you choose, Bon Appetit!

Referral Code:  CREDM-WOLTAC

OMG, Check out The Sanskrit Channel on YouTube

Namaste Yogis and Yoginis, I hope you and your yoga practice are thriving!

I'd like to bring your attention today to a priceless Sanskrit resource available on YouTube, The Sanskrit Channel.  This channel features a huge selection of Sankrit texts and mantras, all excellently chanted, transliterated and translated.

This particular video features all of the Bhagavad Gita quotes in the Hindi movie OMG Oh My God which is available on Netflix.  

Grab a bowl of popcorn and enjoy! 

Happy Sattvic Movie Saturday!